Vulture Peak(灵山/灵鹫山):

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: líng shān，Written as:

Vulture Peak, known as Lingshan in the novel “Journey to the West,” is located northeast of the ancient Indian capital of Rajagriha. It is a renowned site where Buddha preached. The name of the mountain comes from one theory that its peak resembles a vulture, and another that many vultures roost at the top. In Sanskrit, the word gr!dhra originally meant ‘scavenger,’ later referring to a particular type of vulture; these birds have slightly black wings, grey and sparsely haired heads, and feed on carcasses, dwelling in forests and fields.

Vulture Peak is the destination where Tang Seng and his disciples sought scriptures. Sakyamuni practiced here and it is also where Xuanzang revered the remnants of Buddha. In the novel, Vulture Peak is located in the Western Continent of Cattle-gift, enveloped by a strong Buddhist atmosphere. The Grand Thunder Monastery, where Buddha resided, is situated atop the high peaks of Vulture Peak, surrounded by colorful auspicious clouds and layers of auspicious mists, making it both sacred and dreamlike.

According to Buddhist scriptures, Buddha Sakyamuni preached several times on Vulture Peak, including famous teachings from the “Lotus Sutra” and the “Prajnaparamita Sutras.” These preaching events had a profound impact on the development and spread of Mahayana Buddhism. Vulture Peak has long been one of the significant pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Many followers travel to Vulture Peak to express their reverence and devotion to Buddha, seeking to trace the paths where he once walked and taught.